Session Woodwind Player

Q: Is there anyone on SoundBetter you know and would recommend to your clients?

A: Snake Davis and Alex Bone are wonderful musicians.

Q: Tell us about a project you worked on you are especially proud of and why. What was your role?

A: To provide all the saxophone and clarinet parts to a computer game soundtrack. 48 separate tracks (possibly 52 - I may have forgotten a couple) recorded in a studio in London (not remotely). Started at 10am, finished at 2pm. Great arrangements and compositions to play. Really well run session. Totally enjoyable and sounded pretty good too.

Q: Analog or digital and why?

A: Either. I'm happy to work and provide whatever the client requires.

Q: What's your 'promise' to your clients?

A: That each and every track, or tracks, have 110% commitment and are as good as they can be. I aim to provide 110% of what the client wants.

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: The huge variety of each and every project and working with very interesting and creative people.

Q: What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A: Would I be interested in their project? 99.99999999% of cases, yes of course! Can I provide the track tomorrow? 99.99999999% of cases, yes of course! How much? Each and every project is different and I'm always more than happy to negotiate a mutually convenient fee.

Q: What's the biggest misconception about what you do?

A: It's easy. Music is subjective and being able to cater to a wide variety of clients and to provide the best service possible involves hard work no matter how big or small the project is.

Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?

A: Do you have any charts? If not, do you have a clear demo track (either audio or midi) of what you want me to play in terms of melody or harmony. Do you have a particular style that you require?

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A: Look at past and present work and remember that you can't google experience.

Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?

A: Saxophone (or clarinet or flute), microphone, computer, interface, headphones

Q: How would you describe your style?

A: Diverse. I can play Classical Flute or Clarinet, Funk Tenor Sax, Big Band Lead Alto Sax all on one session!

Q: What's your typical work process?

A: Client sends written part or clear demo plus a guide track and clear instructions. I then provide up to 3 takes for the client to approve.

Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?

A: Dan Higgins, Eric Marienthal, Bob Reynolds, Tim Akers, Jess Gillam, Andrew Marriner, Jeff Lorber, Cannonball Adderely, Phil Woods

Q: What are you working on at the moment?

A: Flute tracks for an art gallery installation and a television programme

Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?

A: Over 30 years as a top professional musician

Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?

A: Any - everyone delivers a unique experience that makes making music a real pleasure.

Q: Can you share one music production tip?

A: Always strive for the best possible sound and execution

Q: What type of music do you usually work on?

A: Jazz, Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Big Band, Classical, Pop, Rock, R and B

Q: What's your strongest skill?

A: Reading, style versatility, improvisation

Q: What do you bring to a song?

A: Professionalism, fast turnaround, high quality tracks (as found in any top London studio), over 30 years of experience playing for many international artists and on many sessions.

Q: Tell us about your studio setup.

A: Logic Pro X Mojave MA200 microphone Focusrite Clarett preamp/interface

Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.

A: Providing Saxophone (Soprano, Alto, Tenor), Flute or Clarinet tracks for a variety of clients' projects such as jingles, demo tracks for singer/songwriters, loops, film and television tracks, album tracks, etc.